Underground package and mail container system

ABSTRACT

According to one example, an underground container system includes a container fixedly positioned underground and anchored to a concrete structure that is also fixedly positioned underground. The container includes a bottom, one or more sidewalls coupled to and extending upward from the bottom to form an internal chamber of the container, a lid coupled to at least one of the sidewalls, and an electronic lock configured to lock and unlock the lid. The internal chamber is configured to receive and hold one or more articles of mail and/or one or more packages. The lid is configured to move to an open position and to a closed position. The lid includes an exterior surface that is positioned at a height that is at least substantially flush with a ground surface when the lid is in the closed position. The concrete structure covers an exterior surface of the bottom of the container and further covers at least a portion of an exterior surface of each of the one or more sidewalls.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/040,716 entitled “Underground Package and Mail Container System” and filed Jun. 18, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to the field of package and mail delivery and more specifically to an underground package and mail container system.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, mail is delivered into a mailbox attached to a house or to a standalone raised mailbox, while packages are traditionally delivered to a porch of the house or near the house. Such traditional systems for storing delivered packages and mail may be deficient.

SUMMARY

According to one example, an underground container system includes a container fixedly positioned underground and anchored to a concrete structure that is also fixedly positioned underground. The container includes a bottom, one or more sidewalls coupled to and extending upward from the bottom to form an internal chamber of the container, a lid coupled to at least one of the sidewalls, and an electronic lock configured to lock and unlock the lid. The internal chamber is configured to receive and hold one or more articles of mail and/or one or more packages. The lid is configured to move to an open position and to a closed position. The lid includes an exterior surface that is positioned at a height that is at least substantially flush with a ground surface when the lid is in the closed position. The concrete structure covers an exterior surface of the bottom of the container and further covers at least a portion of an exterior surface of each of the one or more sidewalls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and one or more examples of the features and advantages of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective of an example container of an underground container system; and

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the example container of FIG. 1A, installed underground.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.

FIG. 1A is a perspective of an example container 14 of an underground container system 10. Furthermore, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the example container 14 installed underground.

As is illustrated, the underground container system 10 includes a container 14. The container 14 may be used to store one or more articles of mail and/or one or more packages (and/or other items), thereby keeping them safe and dry until they can be retrieved. In some examples, the container 14 (and the underground container system 10) may replace the standard mailbox. For example, the container 14 (and the underground container system 10) may be used as a mailbox at a house (e.g., stand-alone home, private residence), a small business, or any other location.

As is illustrated in FIG. 1B, the container 14 may be installed underground. In particular, in some examples, the container 14 may be fixedly positioned underground. This fixed positioning may prevent the container 14 from being removed from its underground positioning. It may further prevent the container 14 from moving out of its underground positioning. As such, the container 14 may differ from traditional container systems that may temporarily pop out of the ground to receive an item, and that then move back underground after receiving the item. Such pop-up container systems tend to be prohibitively expensive, and further tend to break. When these pop-up container systems break, they may no longer move out of the ground. This prevents the pop-up container system from being useable to receive items. In contrast, the container 14 may be useable even when it is fixedly positioned underground. As a result, the container 14 may provide a safe and dry internal chamber 26 that can be used to deliver one or more articles of mail and/or one or more packages to the owner of the underground container system 10, in some examples.

The container 14 may be installed at any location underground. For example, the container 14 may be installed at an underground location outside a house (or other structure) and near a road (e.g., where a typical mailbox stands). This location may deter a thief from approaching the porch of the house (or any other location near the house). Furthermore, this location may be more visible to neighbors, traffic, and law enforcement. This location may also increase the efficiency of delivering packages and/or articles of mail, as the delivery person (or drone) may deliver them near the road (as opposed to having to approach the house). As such, the delivery person (or done) may not have to walk up to the doorstep of the house anymore, and may also not need to avoid obstacles in the way of the doorstep (e.g., a bicycle strewn across the house path).

The container 14 may be installed at any height underground. In some examples, the container 14 may be installed so that an exterior surface 32 of a lid 30 of the container 14 is positioned at a height that is at least substantially flush with a ground surface when the lid 30 is in the closed position. An example of this is illustrated in FIG. 1B. The exterior surface 32 of the lid 30 is positioned at a height that is at least substantially flush with a ground surface when the exterior surface 32 is at the same height as the ground surface surrounding the container 14, plus or minus 1 inch. This may prevent the container 14 from sticking too far out of the ground, thereby calling attention to the presence of the container 14. In some examples, the lid 30 may also be colored (e.g., colored green) to allow the container 14 to blend in with its surroundings (e.g., lawn) to increase the aesthetic value of the underground container system 10. In some examples, this positioning may also provide easier access to the container 14, as the user, delivery person, or drone may not have to reach too far down below the ground surface to reach the container 14.

In an example of operation, a delivery person or drone (e.g., AMAZON, FEDEX, UPS, USPS) can approach the underground container system 10 with one or more articles of mail, one or more packages, and/or one or more other items. The delivery person or drone can unlock and open the lid 30 of the container 14 (manually or automatically), and position the items in the internal chamber 26 of the container 14. The delivery person or drone can then close and re-lock the lid 30 of the container 14 (manually or automatically). Later, the owner of the underground container system 10 (or the owner of the residence) may then approach the underground container system 10, unlock and open the lid 30 (manually or automatically), retrieve the stored items, and close and re-lock the lid 30 (manually or automatically).

In some examples, the underground container system 10 may store the articles of mail and packages underground, thereby helping to prevent them from being stolen. As a result, homeowners, businesses, delivery services, and online retailers may save millions due to stolen packages and mail. Furthermore, it may result in a decrease in criminal activity, thereby limiting law enforcement having to investigate or stop package theft. In some examples, the underground storage may also reduce the risk of damage to packages, as those packages can be stored underground away from the weather. Furthermore, by storing the packages underground, the underground container system 10 may reduce clutter on front porches (i.e., where packages are traditionally delivered to).

As is illustrated, the container 14 includes a bottom 18. The bottom 18 may be the base of the container 14. The bottom 18 may have any shape. For example, the bottom 18 may be shaped as a circle, an oval, a square, a rectangle, a diamond, an irregular shape, any other shape, or any combination of the preceding. As is illustrated, the bottom 18 is shaped as a square. The bottom 18 may further have any size. For example, the bottom 18 may have any length, width, height, diameter, thickness, and/or other dimension. As is further illustrated in FIG. 1B, the bottom 18 includes an internal surface 19 and an external surface 20.

The container 14 further includes one or more sidewalls 22 coupled to the bottom 18. The sidewall(s) 22 may surround the bottom 18, and may extend upward from the bottom 18 so as to form an internal chamber 26 of the container 14. The sidewall(s) 22 may extend upward from the bottom 18 at any upward extending angle. For example, the sidewall(s) 22 may extend upward at 90 degrees, 85 degrees, 80 degrees, 70 degrees, 60 degrees, 45 degrees, 95 degrees, 100 degrees, 110 degrees, 120 degrees, 135 degrees, or any other upward extending angle. As is illustrated, the sidewall(s) 22 extend upward at 90 degrees from the bottom 18.

The container 14 may include any number of sidewalls 22. For example, the container 14 may include one sidewall 22, three sidewalls 22, four sidewalls 22, five sidewalls, or any other number of sidewalls 22. As is illustrated, the container 14 includes four sidewalls 22: 22 a, 22 b, 22 c (not shown), and 22 d (not shown). The sidewall(s) 22 may have any shape. For example, a sidewall 22 may be shaped as a circle, an oval, a square, a rectangle, a diamond, an irregular shape, any other shape, or any combination of the preceding. As is illustrated, each of the sidewalls 22 is shaped as a square. The sidewall(s) 22 may further have any size. For example, the sidewall(s) 22 may have any length, width, height, diameter, thickness, and/or other dimension. As is further illustrated in FIG. 1B, the sidewall(s) 22 include an internal surface 23 and an external surface 24.

The sidewall(s) 22 may be coupled to the bottom 18 in any manner. As one example, the sidewall(s) 22 and the bottom 18 may be formed as one integral piece. As another example, the sidewall(s) 22 may be coupled to the bottom 18 via one or more connectors (e.g., nails, screws, adhesive).

The container 14 further includes the lid 30 that is coupled to at least one of the sidewalls 22. The lid 30 may seal the container 14 and may also open the container 14. For example, the lid 30 may move to a closed position (shown in FIG. 1B) to seal the container 14, and the lid 30 may also move to an open position (shown in FIG. 1A) to open the container 14.

When the lid 30 is in the open position, one or more items (e.g., one or more articles of mail, one or more packages, and/or one or more other items) may be positioned within or removed from the internal chamber 26. For example, a delivery person or drone may position one or more articles of mail and/or one or more packages into the internal chamber 26. As another example, a person (e.g., a homeowner) may remove one or more articles of mail and/or one or more packages from the internal chamber 26.

When the lid 30 is in the closed position, the lid 30 (and the remainder of the container 14) may protect the items contained within the internal chamber 26. For example, the lid 30 may prevent the items from being removed from the container 14. As another example, the lid 30 (and the remainder of the container 14) may prevent dirt and water from entering the container 14 and damaging the items.

The lid 30 may have any shape. For example, the lid 30 may be shaped as a circle, an oval, a square, a rectangle, a diamond, an irregular shape, any other shape, or any combination of the preceding. As is illustrated, the lid 30 is shaped as a square. The lid 30 may further have any size. For example, the lid 30 may have any length, width, height, diameter, thickness, and/or other dimension. As is further illustrated in FIG. 1B, the lid 30 includes an internal surface 31 and the external surface 32. In some examples, the external surface 32 may be a non-skid surface, so as to prevent people from slipping if they step on the lid 30. The non-skid surface may be created by adding a pattern (e.g., lozenge, direction, cyclical, etc.) to the external surface 32 (e.g., via a mold and thermoform).

As is discussed above, the lid 30 may move to a closed position (shown in FIG. 1B) and the lid 30 may also move to an open position (shown in FIG. 1A). The lid 30 may be configured in any manner that allows it to move to a closed position and to an open position. As an example of this, the lid 30 may be movingly coupled to a sidewall 22 by one or more hinges 34. The hinge(s) 34 may be any movable joint or mechanism that connects the lid 30 to one or more sidewalls 22 and that further allows the lid 30 to move to a closed position and to an open position. In the illustrated example, the hinge(s) 34 allow the lid 30 to rotate upward from the closed position to the open position, and further allow the lid 30 to rotate downward from the open position to the closed position. The hinge 34 may be a standard hinge that is coupled to both the lid 30 and the sidewall 22. In other examples, the hinge 34 may be a living hinge that is formed integral with the lid 30 and the sidewall 22. As an example of this, the lid 30, sidewall 22, and the hinge 34 may be a single integral structure (e.g., a single integral structure made of plastic, such as Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene). In such an example, the hinge 34 may be thinner (e.g., it is thermoset thinner) than the lid 30 and sidewall 22 (or the hinge 34 may be modified in any other way) so as to be flexible. This may allow the lid 30 to flex open and close with less moving parts.

As another example, the lid 30 may alternatively (or additionally) be movingly coupled to a sidewall 22 (or any other portion of the container 14) by one or more moveable arms (not shown). These arm(s) may be rotating arms that rotate around a pivot point, allowing the lid 30 to rotate upward from the closed position to the open position, and further allowing the lid 30 to rotate downward from the open position to the closed position. In other examples, these arms(s) may be swinging arms that allow the lid 30 to be lifted upward away from sidewalls 22 and further allow the lid 30 to then move horizontally away from the sidewalls 22, so as to move to an open position (and vice versa to a closed position).

The movement of the lid 30 to a closed position and to an open position may be a manually assisted movement. For example, a user may pull upward on the lid 30 (via a handle) to move the lid 30 to an open position, and the user may push downward on the lid to move the lid 30 to a closed position.

The movement of the lid 30 to a closed position and to an open position may be an automated movement. For example, the container 14 may include a mechanical/electrical/pneumatic system that can automatically move the lid 30 to a closed position and to an open position. As an example of this, the container 30 may include a motor and a battery (or other power source). The motor may be attached to one or more rotating arms (e.g., rotating coil rods). When in operation, the motor may force the rotating arms to rotate, thereby causing the lid to move to an open position or a closed position. The motor may be operated via a remote device, such as the user's Smartphone, a delivery person's digital device, and/or a drone. As another example of an automated movement, the lid 30 and hinge 34 may utilize elasticity (e.g., the law of elasticity) to cause the lid 30 to automatically spring (via potential energy) from the closed position to the open position when the lid 30 is unlocked. In such an example, the container 14 may include a barrier that stops the movement of the lid 30, thereby preventing it from extending past the open position (e.g., past 90 degrees).

In some examples, the movement of the lid 30 to a closed position and to an open position may be combination of a manually assisted movement and an automated movement. For example, the automated movement (e.g., pneumatic movement) may be used to move the lid 30 to an open position, and the manually assisted movement may be used to move the lid 30 to a closed position (or vice versa). As an example of this, the lid 30 may automatically spring (via potential energy) from the closed position to the open position when the lid 30 is unlocked (e.g., when a magnetic lock 38 is unlocked), and then a user may manually push the lid 30 back down to the closed position and re-lock the lid (e.g., re-lock the magnetic lock 38).

As is illustrated, the lid 30 is a single solid lid that rotates upward and downward at a single end. In other examples, the lid 30 may be multiple lid pieces. For example, the lid 30 may be made of two lid pieces that interconnect at a mid-point along the width or length of the container 14, and that individually rotate upward and downward at opposing ends. Furthermore, any other configuration of the lid 30 may be used in the container 14.

In some examples, the lid 30 may include a mail slot that allows articles of mail to be inserted into the container 14 even when the lid 30 is closed. In such examples, the lid 30 may also include a weather guard that prevents water from dripping into the mail slot.

The bottom 18, sidewall(s) 22, lid 30, hinge 34, and/or any other portion of the container 14 may be made of any material(s) that may allow the container 14 to be used to store one or more articles of mail, one or more packages, and/or other items. For example, the bottom 18, sidewall(s) 22, lid 30, hinge 34, and/or any other portion of the container 14 may be made plastic (e.g., Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene). The plastic may be thermoset plastic or thermoplastic. The plastic may 100% recycled plastic (e.g., post-industrial plastic), thereby allowing this reusable plastic to be put to good use (as opposed to ending up in the landfill or in the ocean). The plastic may be impervious to moisture, extreme temperatures, and may be tough. This may allow the container 14 to last for the life of a home (and for potential future buyers of the home), in some examples. As such, the container 14 may be advantageous over typical mailboxes that need to be replaced periodically.

In other examples, the bottom 18, sidewall(s) 22, lid 30, hinge 34, and/or any other portion of the container 14 may be made of aluminum, steel (such as stainless steel and/or carbon steel), copper, clad metal, cast iron, any other metal, pottery materials, other non-metallic materials, any other material(s) that may allow the container 14 to be used to store items, or any combination of the preceding.

The container 14 further includes a lock 38. The lock 38 may be configured to lock and unlock the lid 30. When the lid 30 is unlocked, the lid 30 may be opened to the open position. When the lid 30 is locked, the lid 30 may remain in the closed position and may be prevented from opening. The lock 38 may be any locking system that can lock and unlock the lid 30. As an example, the lock 38 may be a manual lock (e.g., a combination lock, a key lock). As another example, the lock 38 may be an electronic lock that can lock and unlock the lid 30 based on a communication signal received from a remote device, such as the user's Smartphone, a delivery person's digital device, and/or a drone. The lock 38 may lock and unlock the lid 30 via one or more deadbolts, latches, magnets, cylinders (e.g., mortise cylinder), any other locking and unlocking system, or any combination of the preceding.

In some examples, the lock 38 and the opening/closing of the lid 30 may be automated. For example, the container 14 may include one or more processors, storage mediums, network interfaces, and software that cause the lock 38 to unlock/lock the lid 30 automatically and further cause the lid 30 to open/close automatically. In such an example, a user may utilize their phone (e.g., utilizing an “app” on the phone, accessing a website on the phone, texting a code to the underground container system 10), a remote control, or any other device to cause the lock 38 to unlock the lid 30 and further cause the lid 30 to open, and/or to cause the lid 30 to close and further cause the lock 38 to lock the lid 30. This access to the underground container system 10 may be protected by a password or code, in some examples. Furthermore, a one-time use password or code may be created and given to another person (e.g., a neighbor), thereby allowing the person to retrieve packages and articles of mail when the homeowner is not available.

The lid 30 may also include an interface (e.g., a keypad) that may allow the lid 30 to be unlocked/locked and opened/closed automatically. As such, the container 14 can be opened/closed directly from the container 14 itself, without a remote device. This interface may be hidden behind a movable panel.

When delivering articles of mail or packages, the delivery person (or drone) may be able to unlock/lock and open/close the lid 30. In such an example, when the container 14 is automated, the delivery person (or drone) may utilize a delivery password or code that may be transmitted to the container 14 (via the interface or using a remote device). This may allow the container 14 to be opened and closed so that the articles of mail or packages may be delivered. The delivery password or code may be periodically changed, thereby preventing it from being stolen. In some examples, the password or code may only be accessible to the delivery person's remote device. As such, the delivery person (himself) may not know the password or code.

In some examples, the container 14 may utilize global positioning system (GPS) coordinates for the automatic unlocking/locking and opening/closing of the lid 30. In such examples, the lid 30 may unlock and open automatically when the delivery person (or drone) approaches the container 14, and may also close and lock automatically when the delivery person (or drone) moves away from the container 14. This automation may be triggered by the communication (from a digital device to the container 14) of the GPS coordinates of the delivery person (or drone) themselves, the GPS coordinates of a device carried by the delivery person (or drone), and/or the GPS coordinates of the vehicle driven by the delivery person (or drone). For a flying delivery drone, the automation may be triggered when the drone flies near the container 14 and/or hovers over the container 14. The drone may then drop the articles of mail or packages into the internal chamber 26 from a height of, for example, 1 to 2 feet, preferably.

In order to provide power to the automatic features of the container 14, the container 14 may include a battery, solar panel(s), and/or an electrical hookup. The solar panel(s) may be included on (or in) the lid 30. These solar panel(s) may charge a battery in (or attached to) the container 14, allowing the container 14 to operate at night.

As is discussed above, the container 14 includes the internal chamber 26. The internal chamber 26 may be configured to receive and hold one or more articles of mail, one or more packages, any other items, or any combination of the preceding. As an example, the internal chamber 26 may have a shape and/or size that allows it to receive and hold one or more articles of mail, one or more packages, any other items, or any combination of the preceding. The internal chamber 26 may have any shape and/or size that allows it to hold any number of articles of mail, packages, other items, or any combination of the preceding. As another example, the internal chamber 26 may be entirely enclosed (when the lid 30 is closed), thereby providing a safe and dry environment for the articles of mail, one or more packages, any other items, or any combination of the preceding.

In some examples, the internal chamber 26 may include a letter size rack placed at the top of the internal chamber 26, so as to hold articles of mail. The internal chamber 26 may also (or alternatively) have a self-lowering shelf that causes packages to remain near the top of the internal chamber 26. As more packages are added to the self-lowering shelf, the shelf may adjust downward in height, allowing the packages to be stacked. As packages are removed, the shelf may adjust upward in height. The self-lowering shelf may utilize a counterweight in order to move upward and downward. The internal chamber 26 (and its features, such as the shelf) may be padded, in some examples. This may protect packages that are dropped into the internal chamber 26 from a height by, for example, a drone. The internal chamber 26 may also (or alternatively) be insulated, so as to protect its contents from cold, heat, wind, and/or moisture.

In some examples, the internal chamber 26 may include one or more compartments. For example, the internal chamber 26 may include narrow (e.g., 2 inch-12 inch) compartments (e.g., on both sides of the internal chamber 26) that may house a battery, motor, opening/closing arms, wires, or any other device. The internal chamber 36 may also include a central part for placement of packages, a slot or container for incoming articles of mail, and/or a slot or container for outgoing articles of mail (e.g., envelopes only), in some examples.

The container 14 may also include a lighting system, in some examples. The lighting system may be on a visible portion of the container 14. This may illuminate the container 14 during nighttime, so that people can find and use it. The lighting system may also (or alternatively) be in the internal chamber 26. In such an example, the lighting system may turn on when the lid 30 is opened during nighttime. This lighting system can light up any portion of the internal chamber 26 (e.g., 2 feet of depth into the internal chamber 26), allowing a user to see into the internal chamber 26 at night. The lighting system(s) can be used to provide visibility to the contents of the container 14, to allow users to find the container 14 (e.g., to light up the underground container system 10), to provide lighting in areas of the world that do not have long days or that have inclement weather, to provide security and/or lighting to streets, any other reason, or any combination of the preceding. The lighting system(s) may installed via a universal serial bus (USB). The lighting system(s) may be powered by a battery and/or solar panels. Excess energy created by the solar panels may be provided back to the electrical grid, in some examples.

As is illustrated in FIG. 1B, the underground container system 10 further includes a concrete structure 42 that is also fixedly positioned underground. The concrete structure 42 may be positioned underground so as to cover the exterior surface 20 of the bottom 18 of the container 14. The concrete structure 42 may also cover at least a portion of the exterior surface 24 of one or more of the sidewalls 22 of the container 14. In some examples, the concrete structure 42 may provide protection for the container 14, and may channel water away from the container 14.

The concrete structure 42 may cover any portion of the exterior surface 24 of a sidewall 22. For example, the concrete structure 42 may cover 50% of the surface area of the exterior surface 24, 75% of the surface area of the exterior surface 24, 90% of the surface area of the exterior surface 24, 100% of the surface area of the exterior surface 24, or any other amount. As is illustrated, the concrete structure 42 covers 100% of the surface area of the exterior surface 24 of the sidewalls 22. Furthermore, the concrete structure 42 may cover the exterior surface 24 of all of the sidewalls 22, or may only cover the exterior surface 24 of a portion of the sidewalls 22 (e.g., it may cover 3 out of 4).

The concrete structure 42 may have any size and/or shape that allows it to cover the exterior surface 20 of the bottom 18 of the container 14 and/or that allows it to cover at least a portion of the exterior surface 24 of one or more of the sidewalls 22 of the container 14. As an example of this, the concrete structure 42 may be 1 inch thick on each of the bottom and sides of the concrete structure 42. In other examples, the concrete structure 42 may be less than 1 inch thick, or more than 1 inch thick.

The container 14 may be anchored to the concrete structure 42. This anchoring may assist in keeping the container 14 fixedly positioned underground. Furthermore, it may prevent the container 14 from being stolen out of the ground, in some examples. For example, the weight of the concrete structure 42 may prevent the container 14 from being stolen out of the ground.

The container 14 may be anchored to the concrete structure 42 in any manner. As an example, the container 14 may be anchored to the concrete structure 42 by being encased in the concrete structure 42. In such an example, the concrete may be poured under and around the container 14, causing it to harden around and encase the container 14 as the concrete structure 42 dries and forms. This encasement may be done prior to the container 14 being positioned underground, or after. In some examples, the sidewalls 22 of the container 14 may include ridges, bumps, or appendages that the concrete can form around. This may further anchor the container 14 to the concrete structure 42.

As another example, the container 14 may be anchored to the concrete structure 42 by one or more connectors that are attached to both the container 14 and the concrete structure 42. Examples of the connectors include coil rods, chains, adhesives, and/or any other device that may attach the container 14 to the concrete structure 42.

In some examples, the underground container system 10 may not include a concrete structure 42. In such an example, the container 14 may be anchored directly to ground (via connectors). In other examples, the container 14 may not be anchored at all. Instead, the container 14 may have a weight and/or size sufficient to prevent it from being stolen out of the ground, in some examples

Modifications, additions, and/or substitutions may be made to the underground container system 10 of FIGS. 1A-1B without departing from the scope of the specification. For example, although the container 14 has been described above as being positioned underground, in other examples, all or a portion of the container 14 (or any other portion of the underground container system 10) may be positioned above ground. As an example of this, the container 14 may be installed into an above ground structure (e.g., into a wall that may also operate as the concrete structure 42). In such an example, the container 14 may be installed in a location that is near the porch/door area of a house, and the container 14 may also blend in with the materials that protect and add aesthetics to the house, such as brick, insulating concrete form (ICF), masonry, etc. Such a placement may allow the container 14 to be installed in a higher location, thereby limiting the amount of bending a user may have to perform to reach the internal chamber 26. In some examples, the container 14 may have a second lid or door that is positioned on the inside of house. As such, the delivery person (or drone) could deliver packages from the outside of the home, but the user could retrieve those same packages without having to go outside. This may be a preferable feature for seniors, handicapped or disabled persons, for locations with inclement weather, for higher end homes, etc.

As another example, the underground container system 10 could be used to replace city mailboxes (e.g., the blue mailboxes at the corners of streets). In other examples, the underground container system 10 can be used to store items that are not related to articles of mail or packages. For example, the underground container system 10 can be used to contain city meter systems, electrical systems, water systems, any other system that is contained underground, or any combination of the preceding.

As a further example, the underground container system 10 could be used to store any other items (e.g., any items that are not related to articles of mail or packages). For example, the underground container system 10 could be used to store medical supplies, weaponry, ammunition, computer equipment, food (e.g., meals ready-to-eat), water, batteries, or any other items. In some examples, the underground container system 10 may be installed at or near military outposts, refugee outposts, or any other location (including locations that are hard to reach, or hard to deliver supplies to). In such examples, the underground container system 10 may be used to re-supply military personnel, medical personnel, or any other person. In some examples, the underground container system 10 may include a refrigeration/cooling device to keep the items cool, an electrical connection (e.g., for re-charging phones and/or other electrical device), solar panels (e.g., on the lid 30) to power one or more components of the underground container system 10, or any combination of the preceding.

As a further example, the underground container system 10 may further allow for one or more items (e.g., one or more articles of mail, one or more packages, and/or one or more other items) to be positioned within or removed from the internal chamber 26 through access points other than an open lid 30. For example, one or more of the sidewalls 22 and/or the bottom 18 may include an access point (e.g., a door or lid) that allows the items to be positioned within or removed from the internal chamber 26. These access points may be used for underground delivery, such as if delivery tunnels are positioned below the underground container system 10.

This specification has been written with reference to various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments or examples. However, it will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art that various substitutions, modifications, or combinations of any of the disclosed embodiments or examples (or portions thereof) may be made within the scope of this specification. Thus, it is contemplated and understood that this specification supports additional embodiments or examples not expressly set forth in this specification. Such embodiments or examples may be obtained, for example, by combining, modifying, or reorganizing any of the disclosed steps, components, elements, features, aspects, characteristics, limitations, and the like, of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments or examples described in this specification. In this manner, Applicant reserves the right to amend the claims during prosecution to add features as variously described in this specification. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An underground container system, comprising: a container fixedly positioned underground, the container comprising: a bottom; one or more sidewalls coupled to and extending upward from the bottom to form an internal chamber of the container, the internal chamber being configured to receive and hold one or more articles of mail and/or one or more packages; a lid coupled to at least one of the sidewalls, the lid configured to move to an open position and further configured to move to a closed position, the lid comprising an exterior surface that is positioned at a height that is at least substantially flush with a ground surface when the lid is in the closed position; and an electronic lock configured to lock and unlock the lid; and a concrete structure fixedly positioned underground, the concrete structure covering an exterior surface of the bottom of the container and further covering at least a portion of an exterior surface of each of the one or more sidewalls, the container being anchored to the concrete structure.
 2. A method for installing an underground container system, comprising: fixedly positioning a container underground, the container comprising: a bottom; one or more sidewalls coupled to and extending upward from the bottom to form an internal chamber of the container, the internal chamber being configured to receive and hold one or more articles of mail and/or one or more packages; a lid coupled to at least one of the sidewalls, the lid configured to move to an open position and further configured to move to a closed position, the lid comprising an exterior surface, wherein the container is fixedly positioned at a location where the exterior surface of the lid is at a height that is at least substantially flush with a ground surface when the lid is in the closed position; and an electronic lock configured to lock and unlock the lid; and fixedly positioning a concrete structure underground, the concrete structure covering an exterior surface of the bottom of the container and further covering at least a portion of an exterior surface of each of the one or more sidewalls, the container being anchored to the concrete structure.
 3. A method for delivering one or more articles of mail and/or one or more packages, comprising: approaching a container fixedly positioned underground, the container comprising: a bottom; one or more sidewalls coupled to and extending upward from the bottom to form an internal chamber of the container; a lid coupled to at least one of the sidewalls, the lid configured to move to an open position and further configured to move to a closed position, the lid comprising an exterior surface that is positioned at a height that is at least substantially flush with a ground surface when the lid is in the closed position; and an electronic lock configured to lock and unlock the lid, wherein the container is anchored to a concrete structure fixedly positioned underground, the concrete structure covering an exterior surface of the bottom of the container and further covering at least a portion of an exterior surface of each of the one or more sidewalls; communicating with the electronic lock to unlock the lid; and while the lid is in the open position, positioning the one or more articles of mail and/or the one or more packages within the internal chamber of the container.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising opening the lid so that the lid is in the open position.
 5. The method of claim 3, further comprising closing the lid so that the lid is in the closed position. 